The Occupation Grows

     Last Night, the Blair Mountain Movement  went back to Wall Street. And we were happy to be back after a two week absence. We made the most of our time away,our 1st fundraiser was a success all the way around. Thanks to IBEW827 members Bobby Garris and Patrick Whitney for helping get 100 sets of toothbrushes and toothpaste, wash cloths, socks, and other comfort items to Liberty square last night. It was wonderful to see how the protest has grown! More of the same type of crowd, young people, students. But word has come down that Labor is backing the movement. Rich Trumka President of the AFL-CIO has voiced support, joining many other local unions.
     We at the Redneck party applaud all the local unions who have begun to support these occupiers. It is when labor becomes involved in civil rights movements that both sides have had their greatest accomplishments. We can continue the work that Dr. Martin Luther King did not complete.  His vision of a better world included a strong labor union and civil rights movement rooted in social and economic justice. Today we call it economic populism, and it is taking root in these occupations.

     The crowd has definitely grown in size, and in organization. There is a schedule of events, medical, and a supply section managed by volunteers. Many donations have been made, and the organizers said that warm clothing was needed.
    I did talk to some reporters, and many of them were making comparisons to the tea-party movement on the right. It is pure speculation, because of the wide range of issues at hand. Although lessons from the tea-party's sweep of the midterm elections need to be taken. The great thing about ideas is you can steal them.  Using the "Tea Party Model" may turn most of these protesters off at the sound of those words,however- "Know your enemy and know yourself and you will never be defeated in a thousand battles"- Sun Tzu.
      The common thread continues to be corporate power and its power over our world. The 99% want their country back, and seeing the movement has spread to other parts of the country is exciting. The Occupy New Jersey Facebook page has grown to 1700+members, and is due to start holding meetings soon. And the New Jersey Redneck party will be visiting Occupy Boston next Tuesday. I am looking forward to my first occupation road trip!
     The Blair Mountain Redneck Party will continue to support the occupation movement around this country. If you see a red bandanna on a protester at any event, be sure to talk to them about the history of our movement. The best part of these protests are the conversations you can have. I strongly urge every American  in the 99% take the time to visit and support your local occupation movements. It is what Democracy Looks like!
    Thank you to all who donated in out fundraiser. We understand not everybody can give money to our cause, but if you can give time, that is even more valuable. email redneckpartynj@gmail.com to volunteer and be sure to like us on Like us on facebook!

The Return To wall Street

      The New Jersey Redneck Party is going back to Liberty Square to deliver supplies on Monday. Thanks to all who donated to our cause at http://www.redneckparty.org/ . And special thanks to my brothers and sisters from IBEW 827 who will be standing in Solidarity with these protesters and helping me lug the donated care packages. Just because this fundraiser is ending does not mean our fight is over. The Blair Mountain Redneck Party stands in Solidarity with The Occupation Movement . And we will continue to assist them and spread their message nationwide.

     Since our last visit the protest it has grown. Visits by by Susan Sarandon, Michael Moore, Russell Simmons have gotten media reports. The unfortunate actions of some NYPD has served to gain national attention. Reports are coming out daily on major networks . They are gaining a voiced through persistent direct action, something this country has to long forgot. Now is the time to remember the history of Blair Mountain and the CIO Sit Down Strikes.
    The middle class, the working poor, and those Americans living in poverty have no lobbyist in their pocket, no paid Senator or Congressman. Those in Liberty Square are trying to be a voice for who our government has forgotten. And the Redneck Party will do whatever we can to make that voice heard. Join us in Liberty Square Monday after work to be a part of that voice.

Don't forget to Like us on Facebook or on Twitter.

 

Rednecks reach out to The Wall Street Protestors.

     Help them.  Any way you can. And it is that simple.

     The more support the Wall street occupiers get, the the longer they stay. That is important because they are educating the public, and fighting the corporate control so many of us are determined to break. We who must stay home for our families or other responsibilities need to make efforts as well if the middle class has any chance left. We are all in this together, Unions, Civil Rights, Environmentalists, and working poor.
      Because right now those occupiers are entering their 3rd week. Rain has not broken them, arrests have not. Lack of food is an concern. And most are becoming more determined. Not only do they need our support, they deserve it.

    The best thing you can do is GO THERE. Anytime, day or night you can hop on a train and get to Zuccotti Park now renamed Liberty Square. Bring some food to share. Reports are NYPD Blocking large amounts of supplies, people need to bring backpacks full of rations. Share your story with a protester, or listen to theirs. Instead of whining on facebook go preach Philosophy in the crowd and see how many common dreams Americans have, you would be surprised.

     Any talent you have can be put to use at Liberty Square. Artists could go and paint the scene, musicians can sing to a ready audience, bloggers can interview almost anybody for a good story. You can participate in the general assembly, a refresher course in democracy that many Americans could use.

  If you are stuck at home make sure to follow the  Redneck Party on Facebook or Twitter. Pass the links and educate your social media network. Monitor this link for real time events!  If the situation changes send out the alert through your circle of influence. Spread word and educate America, because corporate media is not our friend right now.
     The Redneck party will be sending a care package, you can donate to it here. This is our first fundraiser an it is one we would like to see succeed. It is for the troops, the front line activists, and they deserve our support. If you can give 5 bucks, that's a meal  and another day of fighting for these activists!
     Without leaving the seat you are in right now, you can sign online petitions like this one to break up Goldman Sacks criminal enterprise. Look up more petitions online and tweet them!
     The Redneck Party stands in Solidarity with the National Occupation Movement. These are our Sit Down Strikes, Our Civil Rights Marches, Occupation Protests around the world is meant to carry on the Spirit Of Blair Mountain, this is our generations turn to restore America. Remain peaceful at all times, violence is not our way. Get to work Rednecks, we have a country to fix.

To help or with ay questions please e-mail RedNeckPartyNJ@gmail.cm

The Redneck Party Goes to Wall Street!

   The Redneck party arrived in NYC today to visit with the now 4 day old   Occupy Wall Street protesters. The rain came down with my arrival,  typical when I go out to protest. The protesters did not seem to noticed the light but steady rain. Small groups of people were dancing and singing.  Many were busy covering their tents and belongings from the weather.

If you are just passing by it does not look like much. There are a couple hundred young people, living among tents and makeshift cafeterias. Most are in their twenties, although their ages varied greatly The first thing I saw was a line of protesters face to face with a line of NYPD. At no point did it appear it would get out of hand, although there were some protesters shouting and seemingly upset. There have been arrests. The last report I read said 9 seems like a small number, but seeing people you have been communing with for a few days get their hands zip tied and hauled away has a psycological impact. You can feel the protesters have become protective of each other.

  

        They have set in place a "Democracy of ideas." I heard at least twenty speakers use "The Peoples Mic". Amongst the construction crews, honking horns, and general audio chaos that is the surrounding area they have been told by police that bullhorns are a no-no, and they are peacefully complying.The occupiers simply repeat what the speaker is saying so all around can get the message.
      I spoke to Alan, who flew in from L.A. to see Ground Zero and the new memorial. He had spent the past 3 days sleeping in Zuccotti Park. I had conversations with Wobblies about solidarity and a NYU filmmaker Named Dylan who was interested in politics. One theme rang out consistently was that they are tired of the corporate influence on our politics, our environment, and in our lives. They are sick of the corruption that is largely ignored by an apathetic public. The Citizens United Ruling has let a massive amount of Corporate cash into our political system,  the El Paso Times has uncovered evidence of drug gangs and their influence on our political system.  These occupiers may look like the outcasts, but they sure are screaming the truth.
     Alexia O'Brien , an Organizer with usdayofrage gave the crowd a phone number to call if they need legal assistance, provided by the Lawyers Guild. There were request for all kind of different supplies, from luggage racks, flashlights, batteries, food, a place to shower and crash. Some stood up offering people use of their mobile hotspot. A volunteer from St. Mary's Church from 126th  street in Harlem handed out rolls of plastic to help the encampment.
      It means allot to somebody fighting for a cause to see results from their efforts. Although they may not be great in numbers, the message they carry is ours, and their voices need our support. If you are in the NYC area, take some time to stop by and use the free speech our ancestors fought for to send a message of Solidarity. When I told them I was a union member and stood in solidarity with them they cheered! Not for me, out of sheer joy that their message has reached somebody, because all they really want is to know they are being heard.

The NJ Redneck Party will be visiting these soldiers again, if you want to join us email RedNeckPartyNJ@gmail.com.

Dont Forget to Like us on Facebook!  or follow us on Twitter!

Social Security Is Not A Ponzi Scheme!!

     Rick Perry has started something. And it should scare the hell out of you, unless you plan on retiring in a van down by the river. He has claimed, repeatedly that social security is a Ponzi scheme, This Addicting Info article says it all. This is an utter and complete falsehood that will scare people away from one of the most successful and popular programs in our nations history. Not to mention one of the most vital, and morally required. Its simple, as the article states, lift the cap, don't borrow from it and move on.
     The problem is now the right wing echo chamber of Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, and the entire network of Koch brothers funded propaganda. ranging from the Tea-Party to Americans for Prosperity. will be running around saying "Ponzi scheme, Ponzi Scheme" like a bunch of parrots.
     Do our country a favor be a Redneck, when you hear a friend, a coworker, or a relative who repeats this idiotic,dangerous lie politely educate them,  show them This Article. if you are around a pc or smartphone. And tell them, if they want to fight back, protect and strengthen Social Security and protect public schools, support the Redneck Party.

     Here is the video of this idiot saying it was possible that Texas could Secede from The United States. So a country he thought he may not have wanted to be a part of two years ago,  he instead wants to run now. A real Patriot this guy is. Not to mention the law he cited, doesn't exist. Brilliant!!

You can Get A Made In America Redneck Bandanna here.

The History Of Blair Mountain

     Tonight I was honored to participate in a National Conference Call  of Redneck party activists. We heard stories from Tennessee to Texas, from California to our home in NJ. The activists involved are dedicated to reversing the wave of Corporate Power, The Creation of Good Jobs, and Educating our public about the story of Labor.
These two videos have been made by our co-founders and tell the story of the Mine Wars at Blair Mountain. How people of all races fought together to end their own slavery.

       Jeana Brown is the co-founded this party because of her deep passion for teaching labor history to a country that has forgotten the wars fought to end slavery conditions in the dawning of the industrial age. She and the Reverend Zack founded this party with a foundation af labor and social justice, two movements eternally linked in common struggle.

      The fight has already begun. Blair Mountain is under attack again. Beleive it or not the Mining Companies have not given up. In June 1500 protestors marched to save our American Labor History. 

     They want to mine Blair Mountain. Its offensive and repulsive. You can help save this Nations History and the Redneck Party movement if you Donate Here. Don't forget to Like us on Facebook or on Twitter.

     Our National and State Charters are being reviewed, but our battle here in NJ has already started, and we need volunteers for alot of tasks. Please email RedNeckPartyNJ@gmail.com if you can help our cause in any way or if you have an event we can help out at. Solidarity Always!

Living Wage Jobs, Fight For Them!

     We all know somebody who has been out of work recently. Most of us have seen a friend or family member languish for months, even years trying to find a job.  The latest to announce layoffs is Bank of America. Right here in New Jersey and across the border in Pennsylvania Sunoco is laying off workers. And the USPS is considering a plan to lay off over 100,000 workers.
     These are our friends, our neighbors, our countrymen and women. They will have to turn to unemployment and government assistance to feed their families. Putting more burden on those of us lucky to work two jobs to pay the mortgage we are 3 months behind on. They will lose their homes, and some may die of a disease that could have been prevented if they had medical insurance through their employer.
     Is this what we need? Is this the America you want? All this time over the past ten years we have watched companies and government slash and burn through the American workforce. We have had 30+ years of stagnant wages, lowered benefits, and CEO's living like rock stars. When the bubble burst, we bailed out the big banks with OUR tax dollars so they could continue to lavish riches on their executives, foreclose on our homes, and fight every step that the government takes to regulate them. Their greed and arrogance has sent our country into a recession that seems to never end. And yet the Tea-Party insists these are the very same people who deserve even lower taxes, and less regulation.
     President Obama given Congress the option to congress. Eliminate the loopholes that allow the wealthiest Americans to cheat our government out of revenue to help small business owners, employ teachers, give a factory worker a raise, and train the unemployed. It is not a perfect plan, but it has finally addressed the problem that should have been priority 1 for our government for the past ten years.
     Of course, those in the Tea-Party, who are more loyal to Grover Norquist than to the American people have begun to cry about raising taxes. This isn't a choice about a budget, its a choice about morals. Who do we help as a nation? Do we help those in need? Or do we continue the disaster of supply-side trickle down?

     The Rednecks say stop making the wealthy middlemen in our economy, don't worry, the rich will get their hands on our money soon enough, at least let a poor guy spend it on some food first.       http://www.facebook.com/NJRedneckParty    http://twitter.com/#!/redneckpartyNJ

     We are continuing to build and improve our online community, some minor technical stuff has delayed a twitter link and some other features of this blog, we will strive to grow our movement both online, and as activists.
     We are moving forward with Bylaws and structure. I will keep our followers posted through the blog, make sure to like us on Facebook. or follow us on Twitter.  for blog updates and other news. If you have an upcoming event we can promote our  party at please email: RedNeckPartyNJ@gmail.com

   

FDR's Second Bill Of Rights, A Dream That Needs To Be Renewed.

     The Tea Party rants and raves about socialism and Social Security being a ponzi scheme. They cannot admit the moral decency of sharing wealth in a land with so much of it. FDR is not talked about enough as a champion of civil rights. But truly he was one of the Presidents who understood our society should not be judged on how well off the wealthy are, rather how much opportunity there is for those who are not so fortunate. His dream needs our help. Like us on Facebook!

Day 1,

     Well. After months of following the Redneck Party on facebook , I had the chance to start or own chapter here in NJ. Our mission statement and what we are about and details about the organization can be found at http://www.redneckparty.org/.
     My name is Brian Powers, married 14 years to my highschool sweety and proud dad of 4 boys. I am a Navy veteran. I have been a union member for the past 12 years and have served as a shop steward and organizer, before me my dad served in the same local.
     I looked around the current political scene and saw a need for a real grassroots movement that was tied to labor and social justice. The values of the Redneck Party are the values of decent, hardworking people everywhere. We need to stop letting the corporations have the loudest voice in the room. Its time for a government by the people.
    Today I talked with a fellow party organizer from Central Pennsylvania Ron Kephart. He lost his job at a paper mill in the 80's because of corporate greed. Now he is at home and dealing with health issues. He helped build a great national facebook framework that allowed me to have "Turnkey Access" upon becoming a board admin. Thanks Ron! I would also like to thank Jeana Brown who co-founded the party and gave me the opportunity to start the NJ chapter.
     We started the twitter feed and the blog. Over the next few weeks we will be focused on driving traffic to the facebook pages and building a base. Our founders are setting in place our Bylaws and a PAC.
     Our first chapter meetings will start as soon as we have enough people willing to come to a meeting. And our first fundraiser will follow shortly. Follow us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/NJRedneckParty   

For those who can get out from behind the keyboard and get active, email me!  redneckpartynj@gmail.com
    It was a fun first day, but there is lots of work to do in front of us brothers and sisters. I look foward to doing that work together with you.